Root Earns “Best Defensive Forward” in ECAC

ALBANY, N.Y. – The premier defensive forward in ECAC Hockey was also his team's top scorer. Jesse Root, the first Yale player to earn this conference honor, was named "Best Defensive Forward" today.

Root, the award's 21st recipient, logged as many minutes as any Bulldog this season while playing on all special teams. He earned second-team All-ECAC honors and was a first-team All-Ivy League pick this season.

The Yale captain, who is currently with the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers on an amateur tryout, shared the team lead with 14 goals, his 23 assists and 37 points were team-highs. Two of his tallies this winter were shorthanded.

"We probably recruited Jesse to be a second or a third-line center, a guy who would kill penalties and be really responsible on defense. His role has grown every year," said Keith Allain '80, Yale's Malcolm G. Chace Head Coach. "I'd be lying to you if I said we thought he'd be a first-line center on a national championship team. To come back and top that by leading the team in scoring just shows you what heart, hard work and determination can get you."

Root made his pro debut for the Sound Tigers on Wednesday night at Hartford and scored a first-period goal.